RetroClinic to the rescue!

I’d extracted my PSU (as above!), and sent it in the post for Mark @ RetroClinic to look at. Also took an option on a GOTEK unit - so I could transfer from Opus DDOS into ADFS on a USB stick, which could then be read . . .

Mark replaced the burnt out caps, the mains lead and the switch - very neat job, plugged back in, and hey presto - a working BBC Master! Very pleased (and relieved nothing else had blown).

However, the configuration was lost as I’d removed the battery pack - “replace with Acorn parts” was written on the label, slight challenge there:

However, mine was the “fix” Acorn applied which meant it was 3x AA batteries, a resistor and a diode - a replacement for a Lithium battery that could recharge explosively (!). My batteries were just 3 Duracell AA, so extracted, cleaned the contacts with vinegar (to dissolve the battery crud), scrubbed clean and ready to go with new batteries.

Now, to fix the configuration - there are various sources of info to remind the forgetful, but I found RetroClinic’s instructions worked for me (although I’d not purchased the batteries from them). Also a good blog post from “What Jessie Did Next” - showing the use of random blogs - gives me faith! Also the Official Acorn Application Note 203 hosted by the amazing collection at StarDot. The magic technique is:

• Power on whilst pressing R until a message says CMOS Reset
• Then press CTRL-Break
• Then CTRL-F-Break to enter “Supervisor” mode - and start configuring
• *CONFIGURE FILE 3 (my disc system is Opus DDOS - in a cartridge slot)
• *CONFIGURE LANG 12 (so BBC BASIC starts up)
• *CONFIGURE MODE 7 (initial screen mode - TeleText!)

Right then, onto the discs!